For the last four months the historic pub has been under the direction of Polo Pubs run by Nick Hine and his family - and they have big plans to grow the business.

The purchase was inspired by Nick’s son, Richard, and his search for the perfect place to serve his award-winning British Polo Gin.

Now up and running, the Hine family has made British Polo Gin the house brand at the pub, offering customers the chance to try one of the UK’s only 100 per cent organic gins.

Polo Pubs – team with RM (L to R): Nick Hine, Richenda Hine, Richard Hine, and NatWest relationship manager, Annette Shinner

Over the next year, Nick plans to install a glass atrium extension which will double the capacity of the pub to 100.

Once the expansion is complete, Polo Pubs plan on recruiting additional staff to join the team.

Nick said: “Before Foston’s Ash Inn, my main focus was our family publishing business but since taking ownership, my family and I have hit the ground running and had really positive feedback from regular customers.

“Thanks to funding from NatWest, we were able to purchase a successful community business in the Cotswold that also provides the perfect base to sell Richard’s British Polo Gin.

Polo Pubs team (L to R): Richenda Hine, Nick Hine, Richard Hine

"I’m enjoying working with local suppliers and micro-breweries and as we expand further, we hope to work with even more independent producers in the surrounding areas.”

Annette Shinner, relationship manager at NatWest, said: “Nick and his family have done an excellent job taking over Foston’s Ash Inn and have done so seamlessly.

"It’s great to see a family business already going from strength to strength, and British Polo Gin has already become a firm favourite with Foston’s customers.”